Abstract: The present invention is an insulating composite comprising (a) a first thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposing surface and (b) silica aerogel granules. The present invention further includes an insulating element in which the insulating composite is disposed within an air-impermeable container.

Abstract: A method of preparing a vacuum insulation panel is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts, each of which contains less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium, are enclosed in a film that retards the passage of moisture therethrough. The film is breached and the metal oxide-containing compacts are positioned in an air-impermeable container at atmospheric pressure. The pressure is reduced in the air-impermeable container, and the air-impermeable container is sealed to form the vacuum insulation panel. Also disclosed is a vacuum insulation panel comprising a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts disposed in an air-impermeable container, wherein the metal oxide-containing compacts contain less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium.

Abstract: A method of compacting a fumed metal oxide-containing composition is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, the fumed metal oxide-containing composition is treated with vapor comprising water such that the vapor is adsorbed into the fumed metal oxide so as to produce a vapor-treated fumed metal oxide-containing composition. Pressure is applied to the vapor-treated fumed metal oxide-containing composition to reduce the volume of the metal oxide-containing composition so as to produce a compacted metal oxide-containing composition, which is characterized by a volume springback that is less than the volume springback of the same compacted metal oxide-containing composition prepared in the absence of said vapor treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation panel comprising an air-impermeable container and disposed therein a gas and an adsorbent material that has a surface area of at least about 200 m.sup.2 /g and that adsorbs more of the gas at a temperature below about 0.degree. C. than at 22.degree. C., wherein the pressure in the container at -34.degree. C. is not more than about 80% of the pressure in the container at 22.degree. C. The present invention also provides a method of insulating a surface from environmental thermal effects comprising placing the insulation panel of the present invention over the surface to be insulated.